NEW YORK, NY – October 7, 2014
Project Bright For Senegal, an initiative of the Mouvement PAS Foundation, has launched a solar-powered learning center (SLPC) for elementary school students in areas of Senegal affected by flooding and subsequent financial instability.
The SLPC is equipped with a laptop and Internet access and is meant for students up to the age of 7. An analogous classroom in Senegal has been using US technology from CyberSmart to create a more interactive learning experience for students since 2011; utilize devices such as infrared pens and translucent nylon screens, interactive whiteboards, projectors, and other low-power, solar-powered devices.
The US Agency for International Development (USAID) has previously provided grants to train local teachers in how to use these interactive, solar-powered tools to teach math, science, and social studies and to share their findings with other educators to encourage community learning. amongst Senegalese teachers.
Despite an absence of funds and resources, Mouvement PAS, through Project Bright in Senegal, continues to reuse 40-foot shipping containers by re-fitting them into classrooms that can accommodate around 24 students. Because they’re shipping containers, these solar-powered Internet schools can be transported to the areas that need them most.
The main difference from Project Bright for Senegal is that it preloads tablets with educational programs that students can take home as part of an interactive after-school program tailor-made to individual student needs. Students can reinforce their daily schoolwork with interactive assignments on take-home tablets that focus on math and literacy.
In the near future, the project is focused on raising funds to expand its reach and launch more solar-powered learning centers and internet-enabled schools. At a recent benefit in New York City, Mr. Ousmane Tournaka, founding father of Project Bright for Sengal, commented:
“The aim is to allow students to learn at their own pace in the comfort of their own home… Project Bright for Senegal will initially target students in downtown Dakar and eventually spread to various cities in Senegal.”
About the Author: Rich Valdes is a communications professional and leadership strategist with experience in the fields of education, culture, business and politics. Learn more at www.RichValdeS.com and follow @richvaldes
